About Sirius

Sirius community was founded in September 1978 by former members of Findhorn Community in Scotland wishing to establish a similar community in their American homeland. Its foundation is spiritual, but in a non-sectarian manner that allows for each person to find their own way to the heart of all beingness and reality. The shared expression reflects reverence for all Life and willingness to live in accord with this intention as much as possible. We thus employ ecologically sustainable methods of living and a consensus-style governance process, striving to honor all that is.

Below you can find a category for each of the four pillars of our four-fold purpose here at Sirius: spiritual, ecological, communitarian, and educational.

Spiritual

Our spiritual basis reflects awareness of a Divine Presence underlying all things. We regard this Presence of many names as the essence of who we truly are, and as supreme provider of the insight, inspiration and guidance that calls on us to awaken from purely material dreams.

In non-sectarian fashion, we access this guidance through individually chosen spiritual practices, an through group meditation processes addressing conflict, decision-making, and governance.

Foundation in Shared Meditation Practice

Meditation is the essence of our shared practice – the core component of all our major shared processes – often, but not always, also the core component of our individually chosen spiritual practices. We thus learn to sit in silence, attending to the universe’s Supreme Intelligence, directly experience its presence as both underlying all things and residing within each of us as unique soul expressions. This experience requires no belief in the religious sense, but only the patience and intent necessary to learn any skill. The non-material aspect of reality thereby becomes experientially accessible, and therefore within the realm of that which is directly known. This is possible because, as we discover, our own hidden essential nature is precisely of this non-material realm and not of anything material.

Spiritual Support Facilities

We have several distinct facilities established to support spiritual growth. In addition to our Meditation Sanctuary and the Octagon Meeting Room, where we hold daily morning meditation, we have constructed a rustic refuge for personal retreats into the side of a hill only a few minutes walk away through the woods, not far from our other buildings. The Retreat House lacks plumbing and electricity, but the woodstove and candles provide plenty of warmth and light for solo retreatants, who may sleep in separate quarters nearby. Because it is built into a hillside, it stays cool even in the summer, and remains quiet except for the sounds of forest wildlife.

The Phoenix House Labrynth was built over a period of years as a meditative walking tool. The arcs and turns were first marked with twigs, ribbons and switches. Standing before the entrance before walking into the center, each walker would lift a rock from a pile provided and carry it into the labyrinth for placement. it has now been further decorated with statues and crystals. Feelings of profound peace have been reported by many walking its path.

Supporting Varied Practices & Paths

We strive to honor the highest in every spiritual path. Our members and guests practice a wide variety of differing faiths and rituals. During any season, we therefore may host retreats of Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, Celtic, Wiccan, Druidic, Jewish, Muslim, or Goddess worship orientation. Some of these retreat group have been annual visitors for years. We understand that the Unifying Presence of many names speaks to us all in different ways, and we welcome all who share in this mutual respect.

Spiritual Education

Sirius offers a wealth of opportunity for spiritually-oriented education. In some cases, this may take the form of classes or seminars in metaphysics or meditation. Other forms derive from our conviction that “Everyday Life is Our Greatest Teacher.” Our Sirius Community Immersion Program offers the most extensive focus here, in that we demonstrate how to mindfully and sustainably build our homes, grow our food, and prepare our meals, consciously integrating these mundane activities with the more esoteric methods of cultivating awareness.

Ecological

Our Ecological focus at Sirius stresses “Sustainability.” We are an established ecovillage, modeling permaculture principles in our design of gardens, homes, guest facilities, and outbuildings. Living in harmony with Nature is pointedly emphasized, as our physical lives are seen as direct reflections of our relationship with spirituality, which is our primary concern. We thus use non-toxic building materials, organic gardening methods, composting toilet facilities, and vegetable oil for fuel, along with solar and wind generated power.

Bio-Diesel Fuel Coop

In order to reduce harmful vehicle emissions, a number of members and other villagers have formed a co-op to buy bui-diesel gel for their diesel powered cars and trucks. Bio-diesel fuel is made from renewable plant sources instead of petroleum, and its use as an alternative significantly reduces the production of gases causing acid rain. Questions remain about its viability as a long-term solution, but for now, co-op members are satisfied that it is at least a better environmental choice than regular diesel.

Off Grid Energy Production

Off-grid energy production at Sirius comprises several banks of solar collection cells placed at different points around the community and a windmill generator sitting atop a hundred and five foot tower. None of our buildings are truly off the grid, in that each is connected to and served by the local power company when necessary. If our power production falls short, the grid makes up for it. If we produce an excess, in some cases it is stored in deep-cell battery arrays, and in others it is pumped directly back into the grid, potentially spinning the electric meter the other way.

Organic Gardening

Sirius has three large raised-bed organic gardens along with an orchard, berry patch, and four-season greenhouse that provides significant solar gain for the community center during cold months in addition to food. Apprentices and interns work along with staff members nearly through the year, not only tending the produce, but also learning to can and preserve. Freezers and root cellars provide ample storage for the preserved food, so that we have garden output available all year. This includes such things as dried cultivated herbs, shitake mushrooms, chestnuts, and fermented products like sauerkraut and kimchi.

Sustainable Building

All Sirius buildings (except for the original farmhouse and garages) were built with an eye toward Sustainability by community members and apprentices. This means locally harvested wood, milled and stored here on the land. It means using non-toxic materials whenever possible, like citrus-based paint thinners and shredded newspaper insulation that has been specially treated to be non-flammable. We use post and beam passive solar construction, taking advantage of southern exposure to maximize heat efficiency.

Community Center

The Community Center houses three staff apartments, the laundry and root cellar, herb drying room, and the community’s main kitchen and dining room, which includes seating area inside the wraparound greenhouse. The CC also headquarters the Sirius Conference Center, featuring a 2000 square foot meeting room and guest accommodations for overnighters. It utilizes solar power both passively and actively, with two banks of solar (PVC) collectors on the roof, and a solar water pre-heater on the roof of the East Wing.

Cob Oven

The Cob Oven was built by former member Will Stark and provides an outdoor facility for baking at very high temperatures. Pizzas cook in less than two minutes. When the oven itself was finished, Will began work on the shelter, along with community apprentices and occasional friends dropping in. Cob is a mixture of clay, sand, and straw mixed from water to form mud. It is sometimes referred to as ‘adobe of the north’ and was used to construct a house-like shed on the property as well.

Communitarian

Life at Sirius is modeled around the concept of Intentional Community. We seek a workable balance between work and play in all activities, between individual and collective needs, spiritual and worldly pursuit, and between hierarchy and egalitarianism. The hear of our governance process is meditative consensus. This is used in each of our department committees, our weekly community meeting on Thursday nights, and the monthly meetings of the Core Group, which is how we refer to corporation’s Board of Directors.

Most members live on the land in family housing or shared apartments. These spaces have their own kitchens, but many members choose to participate in our shared meal system called “Rota” at the Community Center, taking turns cooking there along with some members of the neighboring village. The community center kitchen also hosts the village bulk foods buying co-op and the organic garden share program, providing ready access to most ingredients needed for large meals.

Social Events

Social events at Sirius include regular open houses. Occasional social events are hosted in our Octagon Hall such as open-mics and movie nights, especially during the colder months. During warmer periods, we host a number of outdoor events, like our Cob Oven Pizza parties, bonfires, sauna evenings, and traditional rituals marking the passage of seasons. Our facilities also provide space for member birthday bashes, family reunions, and even an occasional member wedding!

Exploring Membership

Exploring membership at Sirius can mean as little as attending our neighborhood parties and coffeehouses, or participating in our community meal program and bulk foods buying co-op. It can also mean becoming a fully active participant, living on the land and working side by side with other members in governance and day-to-day operations. One may actually apply for the designations of Exploring Member to pursue this latter option, spending up to a year trying the status out. This includes sixteen house classroom-type instruction along with participating in all other aspects of normal membership.

Working Together

Many members have outside main jobs and work only part-time on the land. Saturday is Work Day, when most pitch in together on various projects and chores. The shared task might be processing a bulk mailing, preserving a store of food, or working in the garden. It could be felling trees, milling lumber, installing photovoltaic banks, or chopping/storing firewood for the winter. Sometimes the community will travel offsite on Work Day, donating the collective labor to some other organization. We have, for instance, built a deck for the town around the recycling dumpsters.

Family Life

Sirius offers opportunity for a rich family life, whether referring to parents with young children or theextendedfamily: an intergenerational village of all ages. Children are brought into many group activities, as well as having those needed that are set aside for them alone. Some members honeschool; others send their kids to either private or public schools. There are designated playing areas for children, and cooperatives spring up both within the community and immediate neighborhood as needed to provide childcare for working parents.

Educational

Sirius offers several in-house educational programs. These range from one-day seminars to the more comprehensive Immersion Program, introducing all aspects of living harmoniously with nature and spirit. We also facilitate internships in specific areas of development, like organic gardening and green building.

Sirius also hosts the Permaculture Design Certification & Training Course with Sowing Solutions twice a year. This course is offered each spring as a weekend series, once a month from January-April, OR each summer as a two week intensive course. Sirius offers a unique opportunity for permaculture students to learn from the well-established systems on site: naturally built homes, organic vegetable CSA, edible forest gardens, orchards, four season greenhouses, compost systems and soil improvement strategies, renewable energy systems, community decision making process, rainwater catchment systems, and much more!

Sacred Purpose

Spiritual education is not a separate subject at Sirius, even if classes and instruction emphasizing this focus are provided. Group meditation is held daily each morning, and members gather regularly to investigate the underlying purpose within each life, and collectively within the context of community as a whole. Instruction is also given by practitioners of many traditional spiritual practices that are designed to still the mind and help bring clarity to bear upon exploration of these questions.

During our annual community retreat one year, members used Transformational Kinesiology to determine the wording of our collective vision. A banner was then constructed with these words inscribed: Being one with Spirit, we lovingly embrace ourselves and each other as we are. We express our unconditional gratitude for all that is. Members including children then created a border using artwork and palm prints. The banner hung for years in the west wall of the Octagon Hall, before moving on.

Attunement to Nature

Attunement to Nature means more than recognizing seasonal patterns and the mechanics of physics. It means also becoming aware of the Consciousness extending itself into the physical world in its various myriad forms. It means, as much as one can, communicating with these expression of consciousness, these entities that in earlier times were known as devas and elementals. At the very least, it means attempting to understand their nature and to form bonds with them related to cooperative alliance. Through these efforts, one can directly observe the miraculous.

Upcoming Events

A weekend of immersion in the life of a spiritual community – the first weekend of every month. This is a work-exchange, community experience weekend. Guests are welcomed sometime Friday afternoon or evening (some don’t arrive until Saturday morning). After dinner with the community, and maybe a sauna or hike through our gardens and grounds, some time is spent visiting with members and other guests. This times usually includes a period of orientation, along with Q & A. Breakfast in the Community Center is self-serve, and followed at 9:00 by an attunement circle. Members and guests spend the rest of the morning working together on various community projects and chores. It’s what we call our Saturday of Joyful Productivity. A Planetary Healing Group Meditation is held at 12:30, and is immediately followed at 1:00 by a hearty organic vegetarian lunch. After cleanup (everyone pitches in), work resumes until 5:00, after which people have until the 6:30 dinner bell to relax and play. The evening is free time. Some spend it exploring local valley locales, and others stay on-site, reading, visiting, or attending one of our own nighttime events – a coffee house, talent show, movie viewing or discussion group. Sunday consists of more free time, during which most folks participate in our Open House Sundays, a regular event ending in the mid afternoon. Cost for the whole weekend is only $50, which covers both overnights and six meals. Contact the guest department office at 413 259-1251 or info@siriuscommunity.org to register in advance.

Come enjoy our wood-fired sauna! Saunas typically have been used to enhance health and well-being through the purification process and as a way of fostering community. Throughout the year (except occasionally in the hottest months), we fire up our sauna every Wednesday evening, Friday evening, and Sunday evening. Guests are welcome to attend at a cost of $5 to upkeep the facilities.

A nine-month training in Wholeness Energetics™ with Deborah P. Wilson. An Invitation You know who you are. You are interested in mining the untapped resources of mind, consciousness, and human spirit. You want to learn techniques to heal yourself and others more effectively, promote health and vitality on all levels, and discover and correct root blockages to healing. You are ready to be and affect change, and to embrace your true power and magnificence. I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to bring this unique program to you, to teach, support, and inspire healers and light workers of the world. — Deborah P. Wilson Cultivating Consciousness; Moving Mountains Conceiving a course, both contemporary and timeless Modeled after traditional healing apprenticeships of old, and set in a modern context where mysticism and science converge, where ancient practices and technology partner, this healing apprenticeship is perfect for practicing healers or those who wish to develop their healing skills. This wellness course teaches techniques and tools to read and direct energy, to open to deeper levels of intuition, and to empower others to heal themselves. We will learn how to expand our conscious awareness to awaken what is already ours, to reclaim natural states of health, vitality and creativity, and to realize our full potential. Largely experiential, this apprenticeship provides keys to understanding the role consciousness plays in health and to being a more effective healer. Cultivating consciousness for healing There is a new paradigm emerging in the field of healing, with a growing body of research and information now available on the “biology of belief,” the body-mind connection and bio-energy medicine. The ancient healing arts of yoga, qigong and traditional Chinese medicine, which are becoming more common place in the West, were probably the first to introduce this culture to subtle energies and how to work with them for health and well-being. In this emerging paradigm, we discover we all have innate healing abilities to heal ourselves and others, and thus we all have the power and wisdom to make the changes we want. It all begins with the understanding that “our inner world, consciousness, is our primary reality, and if our internal state is healthy and strong, then our external world will align itself and fall into place as a result.” -Anita Moorjani Creating a culture of community This class at Sirius is a nine-month journey of discovery, learning and sharing, which requires commitment on many levels and yet offers much more in return. When we each bring our trust and commitment to the circle, together we create community, sacred space and a supportive culture. Together, we can enjoy a rich and nourishing environment for our deep inner work and personal growth and for building true connection and intimacy. Calling on commitment and courage Not for the faint of heart, this journey calls for courage and willingness to open our minds and hearts, look at ourselves honestly, and likely have our world views turned upside down, maybe shattered. Ultimately the path of the healer is an inner journey which takes us to the deepest recesses of our being, leading us through initiations, trials and triumphs. It is by embarking on this inner journey, where others cannot follow, that we experience the miracles, healing, and true power that flows from our connection to Source, from our oneness with all Life. “At this time in history, we are to take nothing personally. Least of all, ourselves. For the moment that we do, our spiritual growth and journey comes to a halt. The time of the lone wolf is over. Gather yourselves! Banish the word struggle from your attitude and your vocabulary. All that we do now must be done in a sacred manner and in celebration. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for.” —The Elders Oraibi, Arizona Hopi Nation 2015-16 Dates September 18-20, 2015 October 10-11, 2015 November 7-8, 2015 December 5-6, 2015 January 9-10, 2016 February 6-7, 2016 April 2-3, 2016 May 7-8, 2016 June 3-5, 2016 Times We will meet from 9 am to 6 pm on Saturdays, and 9 am to 5:30 pm Sunday on most weekends, except for the first and last. On those weekends, we begin on Friday evening, 6 – 10 pm, which includes dinner. Tuition Fees $3000 10% discount if paid in full by August 21, 2015 New England Location Sirius Community and Conference Center 72 Baker Road Shutesbury, Massachusetts 01072 More Information http://www.pathofthehealer.com About Deborah Plant Wilson Deborah Wilson has assisted hundreds to heal on all levels and find fulfillment in their lives through their expanding conscious awareness. An expert on the human energy field, she presents classes and workshops internationally, drawing on 35 years of consciousness studies and meditation practice and 24 years’ experience in the holistic health field. The Path of the Healer Apprenticeship is her latest initiative, and serves as a professional training program for Wholeness Energetics, a system of energy medicine she developed. Deborah maintains a private practice in Amherst, Massachusetts.

Immersion Program 2016 The Sirius Immersion Program immerses participants in herbal medicine, spiritual growth, community involvement, sustainable practices, and what it takes to live in a new paradigm. Experience the growth internally that creates opportunities for the physical healing of our planet! Connect with members of the group and explore the beauty of the land in free time. See consensus decision making in action and witness supportive conflict resolution! Earn college credit for Tree of Dreams offerings through the University of Massachusetts. Read more and register…

Come enjoy our wood-fired sauna! Saunas typically have been used to enhance health and well-being through the purification process and as a way of fostering community. Throughout the year (except occasionally in the hottest months), we fire up our sauna every Wednesday evening, Friday evening, and Sunday evening. Guests are welcome to attend at a cost of $5 to upkeep the facilities.

Come enjoy our wood-fired sauna! Saunas typically have been used to enhance health and well-being through the purification process and as a way of fostering community. Throughout the year (except occasionally in the hottest months), we fire up our sauna every Wednesday evening, Friday evening, and Sunday evening. Guests are welcome to attend at a cost of $5 to upkeep the facilities.

Established in 1978, Sirius Eco-village has pioneered community, sustainability, spirituality, and education. With over 35 years of experience and tens of thousands of visitors, Sirius serves as a role-model for individuals and communities aspiring to be a part of the solution.

Sign Up for Info on Upcoming Events and Opportunities:

Upcoming Events

A weekend of immersion in the life of a spiritual community – the first weekend of every month. This is a work-exchange, community experience weekend. Guests are welcomed sometime Friday afternoon or evening (some don’t arrive until Saturday morning). After dinner with the community, and maybe a sauna or hike through our gardens and grounds, some time is spent visiting with members and other guests. This times usually includes a period of orientation, along with Q & A. Breakfast in the Community Center is self-serve, and followed at 9:00 by an attunement circle. Members and guests spend the rest of the morning working together on various community projects and chores. It’s what we call our Saturday of Joyful Productivity. A Planetary Healing Group Meditation is held at 12:30, and is immediately followed at 1:00 by a hearty organic vegetarian lunch. After cleanup (everyone pitches in), work resumes until 5:00, after which people have until the 6:30 dinner bell to relax and play. The evening is free time. Some spend it exploring local valley locales, and others stay on-site, reading, visiting, or attending one of our own nighttime events – a coffee house, talent show, movie viewing or discussion group. Sunday consists of more free time, during which most folks participate in our Open House Sundays, a regular event ending in the mid afternoon. Cost for the whole weekend is only $50, which covers both overnights and six meals. Contact the guest department office at 413 259-1251 or info@siriuscommunity.org to register in advance.

Come enjoy our wood-fired sauna! Saunas typically have been used to enhance health and well-being through the purification process and as a way of fostering community. Throughout the year (except occasionally in the hottest months), we fire up our sauna every Wednesday evening, Friday evening, and Sunday evening. Guests are welcome to attend at a cost of $5 to upkeep the facilities.

A nine-month training in Wholeness Energetics™ with Deborah P. Wilson. An Invitation You know who you are. You are interested in mining the untapped resources of mind, consciousness, and human spirit. You want to learn techniques to heal yourself and others more effectively, promote health and vitality on all levels, and discover and correct root blockages to healing. You are ready to be and affect change, and to embrace your true power and magnificence. I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to bring this unique program to you, to teach, support, and inspire healers and light workers of the world. — Deborah P. Wilson Cultivating Consciousness; Moving Mountains Conceiving a course, both contemporary and timeless Modeled after traditional healing apprenticeships of old, and set in a modern context where mysticism and science converge, where ancient practices and technology partner, this healing apprenticeship is perfect for practicing healers or those who wish to develop their healing skills. This wellness course teaches techniques and tools to read and direct energy, to open to deeper levels of intuition, and to empower others to heal themselves. We will learn how to expand our conscious awareness to awaken what is already ours, to reclaim natural states of health, vitality and creativity, and to realize our full potential. Largely experiential, this apprenticeship provides keys to understanding the role consciousness plays in health and to being a more effective healer. Cultivating consciousness for healing There is a new paradigm emerging in the field of healing, with a growing body of research and information now available on the “biology of belief,” the body-mind connection and bio-energy medicine. The ancient healing arts of yoga, qigong and traditional Chinese medicine, which are becoming more common place in the West, were probably the first to introduce this culture to subtle energies and how to work with them for health and well-being. In this emerging paradigm, we discover we all have innate healing abilities to heal ourselves and others, and thus we all have the power and wisdom to make the changes we want. It all begins with the understanding that “our inner world, consciousness, is our primary reality, and if our internal state is healthy and strong, then our external world will align itself and fall into place as a result.” -Anita Moorjani Creating a culture of community This class at Sirius is a nine-month journey of discovery, learning and sharing, which requires commitment on many levels and yet offers much more in return. When we each bring our trust and commitment to the circle, together we create community, sacred space and a supportive culture. Together, we can enjoy a rich and nourishing environment for our deep inner work and personal growth and for building true connection and intimacy. Calling on commitment and courage Not for the faint of heart, this journey calls for courage and willingness to open our minds and hearts, look at ourselves honestly, and likely have our world views turned upside down, maybe shattered. Ultimately the path of the healer is an inner journey which takes us to the deepest recesses of our being, leading us through initiations, trials and triumphs. It is by embarking on this inner journey, where others cannot follow, that we experience the miracles, healing, and true power that flows from our connection to Source, from our oneness with all Life. “At this time in history, we are to take nothing personally. Least of all, ourselves. For the moment that we do, our spiritual growth and journey comes to a halt. The time of the lone wolf is over. Gather yourselves! Banish the word struggle from your attitude and your vocabulary. All that we do now must be done in a sacred manner and in celebration. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for.” —The Elders Oraibi, Arizona Hopi Nation 2015-16 Dates September 18-20, 2015 October 10-11, 2015 November 7-8, 2015 December 5-6, 2015 January 9-10, 2016 February 6-7, 2016 April 2-3, 2016 May 7-8, 2016 June 3-5, 2016 Times We will meet from 9 am to 6 pm on Saturdays, and 9 am to 5:30 pm Sunday on most weekends, except for the first and last. On those weekends, we begin on Friday evening, 6 – 10 pm, which includes dinner. Tuition Fees $3000 10% discount if paid in full by August 21, 2015 New England Location Sirius Community and Conference Center 72 Baker Road Shutesbury, Massachusetts 01072 More Information http://www.pathofthehealer.com About Deborah Plant Wilson Deborah Wilson has assisted hundreds to heal on all levels and find fulfillment in their lives through their expanding conscious awareness. An expert on the human energy field, she presents classes and workshops internationally, drawing on 35 years of consciousness studies and meditation practice and 24 years’ experience in the holistic health field. The Path of the Healer Apprenticeship is her latest initiative, and serves as a professional training program for Wholeness Energetics, a system of energy medicine she developed. Deborah maintains a private practice in Amherst, Massachusetts.

Immersion Program 2016 The Sirius Immersion Program immerses participants in herbal medicine, spiritual growth, community involvement, sustainable practices, and what it takes to live in a new paradigm. Experience the growth internally that creates opportunities for the physical healing of our planet! Connect with members of the group and explore the beauty of the land in free time. See consensus decision making in action and witness supportive conflict resolution! Earn college credit for Tree of Dreams offerings through the University of Massachusetts. Read more and register…